Career Center

Walnut Hill School for the Arts seeks an Associate Director of Student Life - Student Support to join the warm and welcoming Student Life team. 

The Associate Director is an energetic, innovative, dynamic, and self-motivated individual who works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to provide support services and programming reflecting the needs of the students and community. The Associate Director is responsible for assessing/reviewing student support needs and coordinating and implementing appropriate supports for all students to achieve success in their Walnut Hill program.  

This is a full-time, 12-month, position reporting to the Dean of Students.

Responsibilities

• In consultation with other members of the School's faculty and staff, oversee the support needs of students including but not limited to emotional and psychosocial supports;
• Work closely with other campus departments including School Counselors, Nursing/Health Center Staff, Residential Life team, and Learning Support to create school-wide programming that fosters an inclusive and equitable school environment;
• Provide case-management services as needed to provide exemplary communication and follow up with faculty, advisors, families, and students;
• Chair the Student Resource Committee (SRC);
• Work with a team to continue to develop, implement, and oversee a developmentally appropriate social and emotional curriculum;
• Oversee and manage the 9th Grade Foundations class;
• Manage the Class Dean program and provide training, direction, and supervision to Class Deans; work with Class Deans to organize grade level social activities and programming; serve as Grade 9 Class Dean;
• Oversee and manage the student advisory program; assign advisors and work with Class Deans to train and oversee advisors; create and maintain developmentally appropriate activities and curriculum associated with the advisory program; 
• Provide a framework of understanding for how advisors and Class Deans are involved in attending events to support student efficacy and wellness (arts performance, residential life, etc.); 
• Provide pre-orientation sessions for students and families about the Walnut Hill experience, the transition, and available resources; and
• Support the work of the Student Life Department as needed.

Community Involvement & Engagement

• Speak authentically about the imperative for diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools; be committed to learning about and practicing anti-racist work; recognize how your identity impacts your leadership; 
• Plan, implement, attend and participate in communal programs outside the classroom including but not limited to, assemblies, guest speakers, and special programs; model and encourage appropriate behavior and monitor students during events and programming;
• Support student’s residential experience by serving on weekend team duty and other responsibilities as assigned by the Student Life office;
• Attend student performances, art openings, and art events throughout the year; support and engage richly in arts productions, shows, exhibitions, and performances;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to foster a positive working and educational environment for students and employees to support the school’s mission, vision, and core values;
• Engage fully in individual reviews and evaluations; be open to feedback and work with supervisor to set goals and expectations for the future; and
• Pursue PD opportunities in and out of school; display willingness and ability to grow, learn, explore new approaches, and practice self-reflection.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience;
• 2+ years related experience in a school, summer program, college, or university setting;
• Willingness and interest in working with high school students in a boarding school environment;
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory abilities; along with the ability to balance a pursuit of academic, artistic, and institutional excellence with compassion and nurture for each individual;
• Strong collaboration and team-oriented working and leadership skills; ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships;
• Ability to work with, and respond effectively to, the needs of a wide range of community members, multiple constituencies, and to work independently and effectively in a changing, fast-paced environment;
• High level of organization; strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills combined with excellent project management skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive community; capable of effectively responding to the needs of a diverse and engaged student and parent population;
• Possess strong cultural competency in working with diverse populations and commitment to learning about and practicing anti-racist work; 
• Actively support the school community in building awareness and education in developing equity at systemic levels throughout school operations, policies, and programs;
• Share an educational and artistic vision that aligns with the core principles of Walnut Hill;
• High integrity and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion; and
• Possess and exude a positive attitude and passion for teaching and learning.

Physical Demands

Physical demands include dexterity for office machine and supply operation including but not limited to writing, typing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, and printers. Stooping, bending, traveling to/from locations on campus, ascending/descending stairs, reaching and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.

About us:

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theatre, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts. Walnut Hill is committed to creating and enhancing an inclusive environment, and welcoming and celebrating a wide range of cultural, artistic, and educational backgrounds that compliments and supports our diverse community. 

Commitment to the school’s Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice. Adults at Walnut Hill participate in school events, support students in their arts, embrace the immersive, residential mission of the school, and support other employees in a warm and caring community of high expectations.

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter through the Walnut Hill School for the Arts online Career Center.

Note: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of state and federal background checks. Walnut Hill does not provide visa sponsorship.

About Walnut Hill School for the Arts

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theatre, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts. Walnut Hill is committed to creating and enhancing an inclusive environment, and welcoming and celebrating a wide range of cultural, artistic, and educational backgrounds that compliments and supports our diverse community. Commitment to the school’s Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.

Connections working at Walnut Hill School for the Arts